In 1854, several ladies of the Sts. Peter and Paul Congregation organized the Mary and Martha Society. This action was based on their realization that there were many opportunities in their midst for the dispensation of charity.

The mission of this Society was to offer charitable work among the poor. Each member paid an initiation fee of 10 cents and monthly dues of 5 cents. Meetings were held on the first Wednesday of each month at 2 o'clock p.m. The time was devoted to sewing, piecing quilts, quilting, fancy work, etc. The proceeds of these efforts were used for charitable purposes.

Having few calls for charity, it was decided on January 14, 1906, that the funds of the Society be used hereafter in paying for the services of a janitor for the school, and support of the parish school has been the chief object ever since.

Projects Supported by Mary & Martha

Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (West Deanery)
The Belleville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women is the official women's organization of the diocese. Their purpose is to give Catholic women a common voice and an instrument for united action iin all issues affecting Catholic principles and religious, moral and current problems of the day.
Some of their programs today are Guatemala Missions, Right-to-Life, Pro-Life, migrant from worker assistance, and the "Hospitality House" which is for families of prisoners to use while visiting. They also serve as "Ministers of Hospitality" at official functions.
In the spring and fall, the West Deanery has a Day of Recollection with speakers concerning women and their lives today.

Newman Center
Newman Center is a Catholic Center that is located at pubic universities all over the United States. They provide a place for students to have mass, retreats, meetings, and offer a place to practice their faith away from home. Our diocese sponsors the Newman Center in SIU-Carbondale.

Nursing Homes
The Society provides cakes for the monthly birthday parties at Canterbury Manor.

SS Peter and Paul School
The Society's main objective has been to provide support for our parish school. Mary and Martha has given cash donations to cover textbook expenses as well as special needs identified by school staff. Monies contributed by the Society have provided items such as stage curtains, kitchen/cafeteria items, teacher item requests, and student scholarships. The Society coordinates the Box Tops for Education program, as well as an annual used book and video fair, rummage sale, country store, cookie walk, and Santa's Kottage.

Quilting
The Quilting Committee has provided quilt donations to Gibault Oktoberfest, SPPS Carnival, Wurstmart and Parish picnic. The Society sponsors an annual Quilt-A-Rama held in the school cafeteria during the summer.

Social Events

Christmas Party
An annual Christmas party is held for all Mary and Martha members. This is a time for fellowship and fun. Past years there have been gift exchanges and "prayer angels".

Family Fun Night
Family Fun Night is a night of music, food, games, and fun shared by the entire family. Although it is a fundraising event it's chief purpose is to provide an opportunity for socializing as a family with other members of the parish.

St. Charles Shopping
This is a very popular activity every November. Society members charter a bus to historic St. Charles, Missouri to shop, eat, and enjoy time with other ladies of the parish.

Muny Opera
This has become a popular summer excursion. Society members charter a bus to see a current musical at St. Louis' Muny Opera. Past years members have enjoyed Fiddler on the Roof, Grease, and The Sound of Music.